El Nahual is an educational community center funded by its non-profit Spanish school for foreigners. Located in the western highland city of Quetzaltenango, El Nahual provides free educational programs to some of the poorest communities in the area.

Conscious of the many social problems that face the people of Guatemala, we started a school that would use all its profits to give back to the community. The Spanish school is composed of a team of professional teachers with years of experience in teaching Spanish to foreign students.

“El Nahual” is a Mayan term that means “protective spirit” of each person. Our vision is to become a guiding force for those who need us. We strive to encourage personal growth and human rights awareness by providing access to education.

The El Nahual community center offers a:
• Free school for children
("Manos de Colores")
• Free adult school
• Organic community garden

El Nahual also runs its "Manos de Colores" educational programs at 3 other low-income schools in the area.

We seek motivated students who desire both an intensive Spanish immersion experience and the opportunity to impact some of the poorest communities of Quetzaltenango. Helping to develop our educational programs is interesting, rewarding and challenging work!

Our philosophy is "educando para desarrollo social," or "educating for social development." We invite you to partake in our mission.

Our social programs include:

1. Manos de Colores
2. Organic community garden
3. Accelerated Primary Education for Adults
4. Cooking Course

1. Manos de Colores: educational programs for children at 4 after school/public school locations. We offer reinforcement math and Spanish classes, and English and art classes. Classes are designed to enhance the childrens’ school curriculum, however some students do not attend school during the day, making our programs even more vital. Math and Spanish classes are taught by a Guatemalan teacher, and the English and art classes are taught by our volunteers.

2. Organic Community Garden: El Nahual's 20 x 20 m garden is currently being tended by about 80 teenage girls enrolled in the Escuela para la Educación del Hogar. The girls receive lectures about agriculture, and learn how to cultivate, harvest and maintain the garden. Harvested vegetables are shared with the community.

3. Accelerated Primary Education for Adults:
In theory school is mandatory until age 16, but in reality many Guatemalans never finish primary school. The need to work to help the family often overshadows education.
We offer a program for students (14 and older) that allows them to obtain their primary (elementary) certification in 2 years. The classes are on Saturdays to enable our students to work during the week.
Classes are given by local and volunteer teachers. Students get their primary level certificate at the end of the program and can then attend secondary school. Some students want to continue their education, others want to become literate, others want to learn how to help their own children with their homework.

4. Cooking Course: our 3-month cooking course allows our students (mostly women) to learn to prepare typical Guatemalan and international dishes. Some have gone on to open their own restaurants.